tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60552045015920367932017-09-17T20:44:06.810-07:00Human Growth HormoneInformation on Human Growth Hormone treatments and news. Find out the latest on this potential "fountain of youth" treatment.Authornoreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6055204501592036793.post-8524259837534962302011-09-11T18:23:00.000-07:002011-09-11T18:27:03.986-07:00HGH Releasers Facts and Therapy With HGH ReleasersHuman growth hormone is a natural hormone secreted by the pituitary gland to stimulate the body’s production of an insulin-type growth factor, which promotes<br />the body’s natural growth. As a natural consequence of aging, the production of<br />human growth hormone decreases. This natural decline fuels the theory that injections of HGH could reverse the effects of aging. Unlike injections of synthetic or natural human growth hormone, oral HGH releasers use a blend of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and herbal extracts that supposedly stimulate the body’s natural production of growth hormone. These supplements are not illegal to sell as a dietary supplement, as they contain no actual growth hormone. There is no guaranteed vitamin/mineral/herbal blend/amino acid combination that will consistently and effectively work to stimulate production of HGH in everyone. The amino acids commonly used to stimulate HGH production are L-glutamine in combination with L-arginine. There is a lack of studies on the effects of these two amino acids, so their effectiveness is mostly anecdotal, and some studies have shown that in people over the age of 40, these amino acids would have little to no effect in increasing HGH production. Effects vary from individual to individual. Using these amino acids as HGH releasers has its downside. Continued use can diminish any effect. In young people, the use of L-glutamine and l-arginine can cause an excessive level of HGH.<br /><br />The HGH releasers companies sell usually contain versions of these amino acids. Other HGH releaser products are scams designed to prey on the public desire for a fountain of youth. In 2003, manufacturer of HGH releasers Nature’s Youth was notified by the<br />FDA that their product claims were unsubstantiated and therefore illegal. The company then destroyed approximately 5,700 boxes of their product, which claimed to increase the body’s immune functions, improve physical performance, speed up recovery from physical training, and increase cardiac output. When asked to substantiate these claims, the company cited a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, a study that has been denounced by the journal itself for being misused by companies to promote the sale of HGH. The human growth hormone releaser was promoted by Watergate conspirator G. Gordon Liddy. Similarly named supplement company Nature’s Bounty was forced to pay $250,000 in redress as part of a settlement with the FTC. The FTC ordered the company to pay the respondents and forced it to provide substantiation for any future claims made in the advertisement of health supplements. The health store Great Earth was also prohibited from making claims for their brand of human growth hormone releasers. According to the complaint, Great Earth did not have any proof that their brand of HGH releasers could, as advertised, allow the user to: “Lose while you snooze. When you go to sleep, GHR Formula-P.M. goes to work burning away fat, building lean muscle tissue and firming." The FTC ordered that Great Earth must substantiate any claims that a product will aid the user in losing weight or fat, or that a product will strengthen any body organ or function.<br /><br />In a consumer health brochure produced by the FTC, the FDA warns that there is no evidence to support any claims that products advertised to contain or boost the production of HGH have any anti-aging effects. In all the cases brought against companies that produce HGH releasers, not one of the companies has been able to substantiate its claims of increasing natural HGH production. The effects of these products are still up for debate within the scientific community.<br /><br />Resources:<br />Consumer Lab – Consumerlab.com<br />Food and Drug Administration – fda.gov<br />The Federal Trade Commission – ftc.govAuthornoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6055204501592036793.post-519610965265106722011-09-11T18:20:00.000-07:002011-09-11T18:23:50.296-07:00Facts About HGH and Weight LossThe pituitary gland produces growth hormone, which helps maintain organs, muscle growth, brain function, energy, metabolism, and tissues, as well as fueling the body’s natural growth. For people who have growth hormone deficiency, injections of synthetic growth hormone can increase muscle mass and bone density, decrease muscle fat, and increase exercise capacity. One of the only other reasons human growth hormone is prescribed is to combat muscle wasting due to the effects of HIV and<br />AIDS. The FDA has very strict definitions of who can be prescribed HGH and what formulations can be used. Under the 1990 Anabolic Steroids Control Act, any distribution or possession of HGH with intent to sell for purposes not authorized by the Secretary of Health and Human Services is a felony. Although the FDA has banned human growth hormone for bodybuilding and weight loss, web sites still sell HGH over the internet. In sporting events like the Olympics, officials test for HGH and will disqualify anyone who tests positive. Since the 90’s, companies have been touting HGH as a miracle cure-all, one that can stop and even reverse aging, build muscle, destroy fat, and provide the user with a youthful vigor. These claims, for the most part,have been unsubstantiated.<br /><br />An early study done by the New England Journal of Medicine found that adult males who were treated with HGH gained muscle mass and lost fat mass. The study was limited and the results were denounced by the journal because of the amount of shady web companies using the results to sell their products. Subsequent studies could not replicate the original results. Still, the study remains the most quoted by web sites selling HGH for weight loss. Further studies concluded that HGH was ineffective in<br />treating obesity. Currently, there are no studies that measure the long-term effects or safety of HGH usage. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists does not recommend the use of HGH for weight loss. Web companies routinely sell HGH in the form of powders or pills. This would render the HGH useless, since HGH, when not injected, is broken down by stomach acids before it can be effective. HGH also has a<br />range of side effects including joint pain, muscle pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, insulin resistance, and swelling in the arms and legs. These symptoms are especially profound in the elderly and can be potentially dangerous. The FTC has joined with a district court judge to put a stop to web companies who send emails advertising the sale of HGH weight-loss products. The FTC purports that the claims made by the companies are false and are not supported by evidence. In tests done by the FDA, drugsbought over the internet were of unknown quality and potentially dangerous. Drugs not approved by the FDA could contain dangerous additives and/or contaminated or expired product, and, as with most medications, there is a risk that the medication bought from a web site might interact negatively with a user’s current medication. Despite the crack down from various heath officials, web companies<br />continue to sell HGH for weight loss and anti-aging purposes. The FDA continues to rally against these companies and has taken steps to better educate the public about online drug scams.<br /><br />Resources:<br />Web MD – webmd.com<br />Mayo Clinic – mayoclinic.com<br />Consumer Affairs – consumeraffairs.com<br />Food and Drug Administration – fda.govAuthornoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6055204501592036793.post-85341575480090137832011-09-11T18:18:00.000-07:002011-09-11T18:20:54.218-07:00Recombinant HGH Treatment in Children for Dilated CardiomyopathyDilated cardiomyopathy, the most common form of cardiomyopathy, is a chronic disease in which the heart muscle becomes enlarged and weakened, and thus cannot efficiently pump blood. The condition begins in the ventricles and, in severe cases, spreads to the atria. This can cause arrhythmia, blood clots, pulmonary edema, and even heart failure. There are many causes of dilated cardiomyopathy. Stress, alcohol, cocaine<br />abuse, exposure to lead, vitamin deficiency, autoimmune illnesses, pregnancy, genetics, coronary artery disease, Lyme disease, infection, heart disease, and myocarditis are just some of the causes of this condition, if the cause is discovered at all. While the most common sufferers of dilated cardiomyopathy are adult men, the condition can affect anyone at any age. Dilated cardiomyopathy is usually treated by finding the source. When a source cannot be found, doctors concentrate on reducing the symptoms and preventing any further damage. Drugs prescribed for treatment include ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, diuretics, anticoagulants, and vasodilators. Other times, devices like pacemakers or LVADs may be implanted. There is no cure, only treatment.<br /><br />With children, the most common treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy after medication is transplantation, which poses a problem, as there is some difficulty in finding donors. In 40 percent of cases affecting children, medical treatments are not enough to stem the illness and, if transplantation is not an option, the most likely outcome is death. Currently, there are no available medical therapies that can effectively treat dilated cardiomyopathy in a large percentage of affected children. It is important to find other ways besides transplant to combat dilated cardiomyopathy in children. In 2004, a study was published about the possible uses for human growth hormone in treating dilated cardiomyopathy in children. In animals and adults, when the cause of dilated cardiomyopathy is decreased serum levels of growth hormone, the application of growth hormone was shown to improve the function of the left ventricle and aid in the acquisition of ventricle mass. The study administered to the eight participants either a conventional therapy combined with the recombinant growth hormone or only the conventional therapy. Although two participants had to drop out to undergo transplant procedures, the results were that patients who underwent the growth hormone therapy had a higher level of improvement overall than those who only received the conventional therapy, and that they continued at this higher improvement level 6 months after discontinuing the growth hormone treatment. The one major side effect that affected all participants who were administered growth hormone was<br />an increase in height. However, the growth hormone presented no significant adverse side effects that would prevent it from becoming a viable supplement to current medical therapies. The results are promising; however, because of the limited scale of the 2004 study, the results are not enough to say with any certainty whether growth hormone should be used as an alternative to current treatment options. More studies, on a larger scale, will have to produce the same results before it can be said that growth hormone is a viable alternative.<br /><br />Resources:<br />Mayo Clinic – mayoclinic.com<br />American Academy of Pediatrics - pediatrics.aappublications.org<br />Children’s Cardiomyopathy Foundation -<br />www.childrenscardiomyopathy.orgAuthornoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6055204501592036793.post-37696632696735379562011-09-11T18:14:00.000-07:002011-09-11T18:18:11.571-07:00Natural HGH ReleasersGrowth hormone is a protein based peptide hormone, which is secreted into the bloodstream and acts on the muscle, bone, and liver. Recombinant human growth hormone uses DNA sequences that are produced in a lab, which creates genetic material from several sources, resulting in new sequences that are not found in biological organisms. Before recombinant human growth hormone technology, human growth hormone was harvested from cadavers. Natural human growth hormone releasers do not use these hormones and instead use a mixture of herbs to stimulate the pituitary gland, which activates the body’s natural production of growth hormone. Natural HGH releasers come in pill form and are usually ingested before bedtime. Human growth hormone is usually<br />not taken orally as the gastric acids in the body can break down the hormone. The herbal pills are available in health stores and over the internet without a prescription. As the body gets older, the body goes through changes in composition,<br />including a decrease in muscle mass and an increase in fat mass. Growth hormone is<br />currently being touted as a cure-all for these and other complaints related to natural aging.<br /><br />The effects of HGH, whether stimulated by natural HGH releasers or from another source, are increased muscle mass, improved skin, weight loss, stronger bones, and fewer wrinkles. One of the downsides of HGH is that it depletes potassium and restricts the action of insulin. People with diabetes are instructed to take care when using HGH releasers. Growth hormone is only prescribed for people suffering from wasting syndrome of AIDS or growth hormone deficiency. Most natural HGH releasers are not FDA approved, and therefore it cannot be said with certainty that a non-FDA approved product is effective. Herbal ingredients can vary from brand to brand and thus, the effectiveness varies as well as the potential for harmful side effects. The FDA does not condone the use of growth hormone for anti-aging purposes and clearly indicates that HGH is not to be used as a dietary supplement. Although distributing human growth hormone for anti-aging purposes or to enhance athletic performance is illegal, distributers selling natural HGH releasers fall into a legal loophole because their product does not contain any actual human growth hormone. Because of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, when advertising a dietary supplement, manufacturers are in charge of determining if their product is safe for humans. Because a company does not have to disclose any proof of the veracity of its claims, it is possible for a company to legally deceive the public. Furthermore, the FDA requires no documentation for proof that a company’s product does not cause adverse side effects, and although they are required to keep them, companies are not required to provide records of investigations into the potential dangers of their products. The manufacturer is responsible for establishing its own safety guidelines regarding how it chooses to manufacture its product.<br /><br />Safety documentation is required only when a company adds a “new” ingredient to its product, and the FDA can then prohibit it from being used. Any existing products that the FDA deems hazardous can also be prohibited. Many websites advertising natural HGH releasers quote a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, in which male participants aged 61 to 81 with a concentration of an insulin type growth factor below that of a healthy young man, were given twice the dose of HGH that would be given to a younger male with growth hormone deficiency and, subsequently, the level of lean muscle mass was increased. They often neglect to note, however, that because the study was done over such a short period of time, the long-term effects of HGH are unknown. Also, overall quality of life, muscle strength, and endurance were not measured as part of the study. Furthermore, in the results of a study placing participants in a strength-training regimen with and without HGH, there was no difference between the two. The New England Journal of Medicine emphatically states that it does not support or endorse any natural HGH releasers.<br /><br />Growth hormone for use in treating complaints relating to natural aging is still being researched. While some studies show beneficial effects for modifying body composition in the elderly, these results have yet to be replicated. Most studies<br />published recommend exercising as a more natural and safer alternative to the<br />potential risks associated with taking a growth hormone supplement, as exercise is<br />a natural way to activate the body’s own growth hormone secretion. Natural Health Product, Inc., a website that claimed to sell a supplement to reverse aging and increase the amount of growth hormone naturally produced by the body, was fined by the FTC for forgery of the ftc.gov email address, and misrepresentations in marketing, studies, research, evidence, and potential benefit from using the product. Another FTC case put a restraining order against Sili Neutraceuticals LLC for sending out emails advertising weight loss pills and human growth hormone releasers. The FTC stated in its complaint that the claims made by the emails were false and unsubstantiated. In June 2002, 51 scientists went on record in Scientific American to denounce any medicine sold as anti-aging, including the use of growth hormone as an anti-aging treatment. The article states that not only is the health of the public in<br />jeopardy, but the credibility of science itself is potentially damaged by such claims, making it more difficult for the scientific community to keep the public informed about real breakthroughs in research and medicine. The article concludes with a statement urging the general public to avoid any products that promise to reverse, stop, or slow the natural aging process.<br /><br />Sources:<br />The New England Journal of Medicine – nejm.com<br />U.S. Food and Drug Administration – fda.gov<br />The Oxford Journals – oxfordjournals.org<br />Senior Journal – seniorjournal.com<br /><br />National Institutes of Health– nia.nih.gov<br />Consumer Affairs – consumeraffairs.com<br />Scientific American – June 2002Authornoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6055204501592036793.post-36990088934616600172010-11-09T18:41:00.000-08:002010-11-09T18:42:09.998-08:00Human Growth Hormone and CelebritiesIt is common for athletes to use HGH to enhance their performance and keep muscle mass. Since HGH cannot be detected in urine, many athletes are resorting to HGH instead of anabolic steroids. <br /><br />Actors, actresses, and musicians have also been accused of allegedly taking HGH. Keith Richards, Sylvester Stallone, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, Tyler Perry, Wyclef Jean, Timbaland, Chris Benoit, Suzanne Somers, and Debbie Clemens are some of the many who are accused of taking HGH.Authornoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6055204501592036793.post-31511227698348681372010-11-09T18:40:00.001-08:002010-11-09T18:40:54.405-08:00Human Growth Hormone Side EffectsIn general, hormones used at natural levels provide beneficial effects with few adverse effects. However, when administered incorrectly, safety concerns increase. HGH therapies at high doses and for extended periods of times can cause acromegaly, hypoglycemia, liver dysfunction, increased triglyceridemia (increases risk for vascular disease) adverse changes in bone metabolism and can stimulate tumors leading to cancer. Acromegaly is an endocrine disorder resulting from a pituitary tumor which leads to extremely tall stature, a protruding jaw bone, and a range of skeletal and muscular disorders. <br /><br />Other effects of high level HGH treatments include tissue turgor complex, a sensation that muscles will rupture, musculoskeletal discomfort, pseudotumor cerebri and carpal tunnel syndrome. Intracranial hypertension, visual changes, headache, nausea and vomiting has also been reported in some patients. Tumor growth remains one of the most common adverse side effects.<br /><br />The short-term adverse effects of GH therapy can be decreased by smaller more frequent dosages.Authornoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6055204501592036793.post-41057057028787498102010-11-09T18:38:00.000-08:002010-11-09T18:39:47.262-08:00HGH Treatments<span style="font-weight:bold;">HGH Injections</span><br /><br />These injections are very popular with athletes who want to gain muscle the easy way. HGH is a very powerful hormone and may cause harmful side effects such as acrogemaly, fluid retention, enlarged breasts in males, painful joints, carpal tunnel syndrome, and serious liver damage. Getting this proper instruction by a licensed physician is as MUST. Receiving frequent, smaller dosages can decrease the chances of harmful side effects and enhance results. Injection treatments range from $800 to $3000 a month making it one of the most expensive drugs. The dosage of HGH injection is determined according to the growth response of each patient, size of the patient, and condition being treated. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">HGH Sprays</span><br /><br />HGH sprays work similar to the injection but without any alarming side effects. It is all natural and water based making safer and less foreign to the body. These sprays contain both HGH and other components to stimulate the growth of HGH. It can be used by all people of all ages. HGH sprays hit the direct nervous system after use, making it more effective and even delivering faster results. The results of homeopathic treatment may vary according to individual and whether the right dosage is followed to treat the underlying condition of the patient.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />HGH Supplements</span><br /><br />When it comes to choosing the right supplement, natural is always the better choice. After years of extensive study, natural HGH supplements are now effective in stimulating HGH growth. <br />HGH supplements containing artificial steroids can be dangerous to the body. Artificial steroids stay in the body from a day to even years. The length of time it sits in the body makes these HGH supplements dangerous. Some side effects from this treatment are premature balding or hair loss, delusion, excessive paranoia, mood swings, insomnia, nausea and vomiting.Authornoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6055204501592036793.post-69873368092525170832010-11-09T18:37:00.000-08:002010-11-09T18:38:22.241-08:00What is HGHHuman Growth Hormone is a natural, protein-based hormone that is secreted from the pituitary gland in the brain. The secretion of this hormone is at its peak during puberty and growth spurts, and starts reducing production by the time we are in our 30′s. HGH plays an important role in adult metabolism and growth in children. <br /> <br />As we grow older, the pituitary gland produces less and less HGH. The decrease in the levels of HGH may cause us to look old, develop problems like diabetes, depression, loss of energy, loss of muscle mass and other problems associated with aging. However, you can boost your HGH levels naturally by changing your everyday habits such as sleep, exercise and diet. Human growth hormone is something that the body synthesizes and can be boosted without treatments.Authornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6055204501592036793.post-27401672525839381562010-08-16T17:07:00.000-07:002010-08-16T17:39:27.706-07:00Safety of Human Growth Hormone Treatments (HGH)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2IV2qZlbgks/TGnaAZ-llxI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/2qf5mXrv9Uo/s1600/humangrowthhormonesafety.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2IV2qZlbgks/TGnaAZ-llxI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/2qf5mXrv9Uo/s320/humangrowthhormonesafety.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506171719945393938" /></a><br />The growing popularity of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) treatments has led to many questions in regards to it's use as an supplement to slow and reverse aging.Authornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6055204501592036793.post-24409031922336380812010-08-15T17:25:00.000-07:002010-08-15T18:16:57.780-07:00Human Growth Hormone Introduction<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2IV2qZlbgks/TGiGZ1iViiI/AAAAAAAAAZw/wz3cFMstWXs/s1600/humangrowthhormone.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2IV2qZlbgks/TGiGZ1iViiI/AAAAAAAAAZw/wz3cFMstWXs/s320/humangrowthhormone.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505798322886380066" /></a><br /><br />By now you have probably heard or seen articles and commercials on "HGH" or Human Growth Hormone treatments that promises to reverse the signs of aging. We've probably have seen Sylvester Stallone recently who is technically a senior citizen but looks as if he was in his prime in his 30's and who admits to using HGH as a supplement. But what is HGH exactly? <br /><br />Human Growth Hormone or HGH is a peptide hormone secreted in the brain by the anterior pituitary gland, a pea sized gland at the base of the brain. Human Growth Hormone enhances tissue growth by stimulating protein formation. In children and younger people HGH drives cell growth to develop our bodies and our cognitive abilities. But as we enter our 30s and 40s, HGH levels in our bodies begins to slowly decline. Metabolism starts to decline significantly at middle age and this is the time where most people will feel the obvious changes in energy and looks in their bodies. Between the ages of 40 and 65, our muscle mass declines along with our strength, vision and hearing. As we approach the 60's, people experience cognitive declines as well. And as we become senior citizens, skin wrinkles and we lose our skin elasticity. Joints decay and bones may become brittle. Essentially, our bodies loses its ability to regenerate cells as the aging process starts taking a toll in our bodies. Levels of HGH in our bodies are only 20% of what they were in childhood.<br /><br />Proponents of using HGH treatments say that raising the HGH levels in our bodies can help us slow and reverse aging, everything from weight loss to reversing aging damage to our organ tissue. <br /><br />A genetically engineered Human Growth Hormone, called Serostim, has recently been approved by Federal Drug Administration as a medical treatment for muscle regeneration in AIDS patients. HGH is considered a building block hormone because it controls many functions of the body. It is responsible for youthful skin, bone density, vitality, brain functions, stamina and all of the health benefits we associate with being younger. HGH is basically a cell re-generator to our bodies our entire lives.<br /><br />In a small scale study published in 1990 in the New England Journal of Medicine, HGH researchers injected a dozen healthy adult males aged 61-80 with Human Growth Hormone for six months. At the end of the trial period, these men showed reduced levels body fat, leaner and more muscular bodies. Men in this trial did not alter their diet or exercise habits yet they lost an average of 14% of their body fat, while gaining an average of 8.8% lean muscle mass. Their skin became firmer and they experienced a localized increase in bone density. In essence, HGH was shown not only to slow but reverse aging. <br /><br />Before these studies, Human Growth Hormones was known to promote growth in children and help metabolism processes in adults. The body always secretes this hormone naturally throughout or lifetimes, albeit in decreasing amounts as we age. The amount of HGH is measured by checking the levels or IGF-1 or Insulin Growth Factor. <br /><br />HGH is currently administered to patients by injections and orally. The costs of having HGH injected run as high as $15,000 per year. HGH supplements costs much less but still it can run several thousands dollars a year for reputable HGH supplements.Authornoreply@blogger.com5